When we conjure up an image of a hospital, a clinic or any specialised heathcare centre, the image that comes to mind is a bright white room with fluorescent lights and the smell of disinfectant. Now, a quarter way through the 21st Century this image is slowly evolving. Modern medical practice construction is shifting gears and focusing on efficient clinic layouts that focus on function but also patient experience.
The relationship between an efficient design and a Patient Centric Design?
Patient Centric Design is an approach that places the greatest weight to patient comfort during the design phase.
Efficient Design is an approach that places greatest weight on moving patients to the next stage with ease and efficiency during the design phase.
How do these two competing ideas work together in the design phase?
In practice, we have found the differing needs of stakeholders can compete but can also compliment one another. In effect, an efficient layout that moves patients seamlessly increases the patient turnover each day but it also works to enhance the patient experience with less time waiting around.
Benefits of Patient Centric Design
Designing an efficient clinic layout that focuses on patient centric layout there are things to consider for any healthcare fit out:
Comfort and Accessibility – Spaces are designed with patient mobility and comfort in mind.
Dignity and privacy – Design a layout that provides privacy through soundproofed rooms to ensure patients feel secure and safe
Family – Designing places that incorporate families to feel included and close
Emotions – design spaces with appropriate lighting, ambience, temperature
Navigation – design spaces with suitable signage to take away uncertainty.
Outcome on Patients
Less anxious patients are more relaxed patients. It improves their current mood and also contributes to improved recovery times. Healthcare construction companies today, are aware of the benefits for the patient and design spaces that are patient centered.
Designing spaces that are patient centered does not actually increase the cost of a medical centre fit out.
Increase in Patient Satisfaction
An overall positive experience is a satisfied patient. This benefits both the patient and the healthcare provider.
For example, if a dental practice renovation was completed with a patient centric design this might increase their patient numbers through word of mouth.
Practice Efficiency
A well laid out medical practice construction, healthcare fit out or even a dental practice renovation will not only benefit the patient but will also benefit the practice.
For example a dental fit out Melbourne that has a sensible design might reduce walking time for staff who move between rooms increasing efficiency and reducing burnout. Another example -undertaking a dental practice renovation that designs an efficient treatment room enabling all tools of trade to be on hand will reduce patient treatment time.
Brand Image
We have all driven down the road and looked at run down houses that accommodate a medical practice and thought to ourselves that we would never be treated there.
Knowing this the cost of a medical practice fit out would be a good investment for these run-down practices. They would attract new patients due to the updated street appeal and word of mouth.
Healthcare providers that cater for an efficient patient centred design will certainly attract new patients. A new dental fit out Melbourne will differentiate themselves from other run-down practices. When patients enter a practice, their first impression will often dictate how the whole experience will go. A positive first impression is critical for future referrals.
Long Term Benefits
The cost of a medical centre fitout might seem like a costly venture, but in the long run the financial benefits might be well worth the investment.
Investing in a well-designed healthcare fit out should increase patient satisfaction and increased operational efficiency will lead to repeat business that should result in long term financial success.
In short – Before you invest in a medical practice construction with a healthcare construction company please ensure you consider the benefits of an efficient patient centred design.
